System and method for monitoring and controlling energy usage

ABSTRACT

A system and method for real time monitoring and control of energy consumption at a number of facilities to allow aggregate control over the power consumption. A central location receives information over a communications network, such as a wireless network, from nodes placed at facilities. The nodes communicate with devices within the facility that monitor power consumption, and control electrical devices within the facility. The electrical devices may be activated or deactivated remotely by the central location. This provides the ability to load balance a power consumption grid and thereby proactively conserve power consumption as well as avoid expensive spikes in power consumption. The present invention also includes a wireless network for communicating with the number of facilities, and which allows other information to be collected and processed.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/218,094 filed on Jul. 13, 2000, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention is directed towards monitoring and control ofelectrical systems, and more particularly towards energy monitoring andcontrol.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The Electric Utility Industry is deregulating through thedivestiture of generation assets from the vertically integrated localutility companies. Historically, the local electric utility companyowned and operated all components of generating and deliveringelectricity to its end use consumers through a regulated franchiseagreement. These franchise agreements were regulated by individual statepublic utility commissions which oversee the operations, costs, andrevenues of the local utility in order to ensure fair pricing amongvarious ratepayers and the reliable delivery of electric service to allratepayers.

[0004] Deregulation of the industry has dramatically changed the rolethat the local utility plays in providing energy to its end useconsumers. In addition, new entrants to the marketplace have the abilityto provide specific energy services that were not available or allowedin a regulated electric utility environment.

[0005] Deregulation has required that the Local Electric Utility Companyor Local Distribution Company (“LDC”) divest and sell its generationassets (“Power Plants”) in a competitive auction. New entrants areallowed to competitively bid and purchase power plants in serviceterritories where they traditionally had no market presence. With newentrants owning & operating power plants, they possess the ability tosell power at the wholesale and retail market level. Both options createopportunities for the power plant owners to provide electricity toend-users. The primary market barrier for new power plant owners toenter into and provide retail energy to end users is the inability toacquire detailed load profile information on a real-time basis.

[0006] The metering architecture that exists in the field today isgeared toward providing only enough information to accurately billconsumers on a monthly basis for energy consumed. Because the industrywas regulated, and service provided by a monopoly, energy use was billedbased on “average” rates and prices. In the deregulated environment, theprice of competitive electricity, generated by individual power plantowners, changes on an hourly basis based upon changes in supply anddemand.

[0007] While technology continues to advance, the focus of variousmetering technologies and manufacturers continue to be more so on theefficiency by which data is collected (for billing purposes) and notnecessarily for end-use energy management purposes.

[0008] For individual end users, the price of energy (generationcomponent) in a regulated environment remained relatively consistentover the course of a day or month. This was due to the fact that thelocal utility had 100% of the market through a franchise agreement withthe state regulatory body. Individual user's energy profiles weregrouped together into an aggregated portfolio of all users resulting inthe averaging of electricity generation prices. Capacity charges wereused to penalize those who used energy during costly peak periods of theday. These capacity or demand charges remain with the regulated utilityand continue to be charged as part of the LDC's transmission anddistribution cost recoveries. For the competitive generation supplier,usage patterns by end users are no longer being charged on an “average”rate per kilo-watt hour. Pricing is derived on an hourly basis dependingupon supply and demand requirements.

[0009] The lack of a real-time “centralized” energy communications,monitoring, and data collection system provides a significant barrier tothe maturation of the competitive electricity generation industry.Competitive generation suppliers lack the ability to receive real-timeload profile information of its customer “portfolio” or the aggregatedreal-time hourly use patterns.

SUMMARY

[0010] The present invention relates to the field of energy use/controland cost reductions through the management of individual ormulti-customers energy use profiles on a portfolio basis via acommunication network with two-way monitoring and control capability andsophisticated software and analytical tools. Embodiments of theinvention include an ability to collect data from and manage individualuser facilities, homes, buildings, or equipment from a centralizedlocation and on a portfolio/aggregated basis. Substantial cost savingsare achieved by managing individual users on a portfolio/aggregatedbasis by taking advantage of certain opportunities resulting fromderegulation.

[0011] An illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes acentralized energy monitoring, equipment control, and energy procurementsystem that utilizes a wireless fixed communication network as the basisto deliver real-time energy use information from end users to acentralized data center for monitoring and control. One feature of thissystem is to manage and optimize energy costs of end users on aportfolio basis. In order to optimize both energy conservation andenergy purchasing benefits in a deregulated environment, energy useprofiles of individuals will need to be managed on a portfolio basiswith other end users with complimentary and offsetting load profilecharacteristics. The system of the illustrative embodiment uses awireless narrow-band frequency to packetize and transmit data from anend user's point source to the centralized data center. Currentmonitoring modules measure energy use for main facility loads orsubmetered equipment or end use loads. This information is transmittedvia a wireless fixed communication network to the centralized datacenter. Systems and software within the centralized data center gathersreal-time energy use data from end users within a fixed range andanalyzes end load profiles on a portfolio basis. The softwareintelligence initiates and sends packetized commands to field deviceslocated at the end users facility via the wireless fixed communicationnetwork. These commands are received by device controllers, such asEquipment Interface Modules (“EI Modules”) and Demand-Side Management(“DSM”) RF Modules. The El Modules and DSM RF Modules receive thecommands and start/stop equipment to control end use energy loadprofiles. By performing this automated activity, the portfolio managedby the centralized data center is optimized to reduce energy consumptionduring costly peak times and reduces the price of competitive energyfrom competitive generation suppliers that possess fixed capacitylevels. The result and benefits of this system is to optimize the totalcost of energy in a deregulated market.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention manage and optimize energycosts of end users on a portfolio basis. In order to optimize bothenergy conservation and energy purchasing benefits in a deregulatedenvironment, energy use profiles of individual end-users are managed ona portfolio basis with other end users having complimentary andoffsetting load profile characteristics. At least one embodiment of theinvention uses a 2-way wireless system in combination with Internetcommunications to packetize and transmit data from an end user's pointsource to and from a Centralized Data Center where sophisticatedanalysis can be performed utilizing complimentary data to initiate moreeffective control.

[0013] Proprietary software within the Centralized Data Center gathersreal-time energy use data from end users and analyzes end load profileson a portfolio basis. The software according to an illustrativeembodiment of the invention initiates and sends packetized commands tofield devices located at the end users facility via the wireless fixedcommunication network. These commands are received by EquipmentInterface Modules (“EI Modules”). The EI Modules receive the commandsand executes control of end-use devices. By performing this automatedactivity, the portfolio managed by the Centralized Data Center isoptimized to reduce energy consumption during strategically advantageoustimes.

[0014] Embodiments of the invention having an ability to monitor energyand cost data on a real-time basis and control end user energy useremotely allow for the Centralized Data Center to optimize individualand/or aggregate load profile curves of the portfolio to reduce energycosts beyond each individual's abilities. Software that will reside atthe Centralized Data Center can provide a real-time data link tocompetitive power suppliers in order to purchase competitive electricityon a real-time basis.

[0015] An illustrative embodiment of the inventions sends load profiledata from the aggregate portfolios and receives real-time pricingsignals from competitive suppliers of energy. Based on these pricesignals, the Software initiates commands (automatically and/or manually)to reduce energy use within selected and prioritized schedules. In theillustrative embodiment of the invention, these signals are sent via atwo-way wireless fixed communication network to EI Modules to controland reduce energy use to optimize the portfolio's load profiles on areal-time basis.

[0016] The various embodiments of the present invention reduce the totalcost of energy in a deregulated market for end use customers, energysuppliers, transmission and distribution providers and generationproviders.

[0017] Information collected according to the various embodiments of thepresent invention allows the competitive energy suppliers to providereal-time pricing signals and capacity thresholds that affect pricinglevels on an hourly basis. This information received by the competitivesuppliers is analyzed by the Centralized Data Center and commands areinitiated that can prioritize and control equipment to start/stop at theend users premises. The ability to centralize and manage this service ona portfolio level provides the service provider and energy supplier withthe ability to have flexibility within its customer base to affectenergy usage without affecting core business activities or comfortlevels

[0018] The present invention features a process that uniquely utilizes acombination of proprietary hardware and software to control energy useand/or generation (by directly controlling end-use devices that consumeor generate energy), to achieve energy savings and/or to execute moreeffective energy management strategies to realize cost savings.

[0019] The present invention further features a method of managingenergy use and generation by monitoring its use in real-time, predictingits future behavior through the use of sophisticated analytical toolsand other data sources and controlling end devices that consume energyor generate it.

[0020] One embodiment of the invention includes a system for monitoringand controlling power usage among a plurality of facilities, with adevice controller coupled to at least one power consuming device at eachfacility, the device controller to control the at least one powerconsuming device. It also includes a power measurement device withineach facility, to measure power consumption by power consuming deviceswithin the facility; a communications network, in communication with thedevice controllers and the power measurement devices; and a centrallocation, in communication with the communications network, to remotelymonitor power usage at each facility as measured by the powermeasurement device. The central location communicates with the devicecontrollers over the communications network in order to individuallycontrol the at least one power consuming device at each facility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system and method for controllingpower usage in a facility according to the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 shows an illustrative network for a communicating andmonitoring system according to the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the systemand method of FIG. 1

[0025]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a supervisory central data collectorand network controller of an illustrative embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system configuration of thesupervisory central data collector and network controller of FIG. 4;

[0027]FIG. 6 is a block layout diagram of the supervisory central datacollector and network controller of FIG. 4;

[0028]FIG. 7 is a block layout diagram of an RF node module and repeaterof an illustrative embodiment;

[0029]FIG. 8 is a block layout diagram and connection points of an RFnode module and repeater of an illustrative embodiment;

[0030]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a facility RF module of anillustrative embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a current transducer interface to afacility RF module for an illustrative embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 11 shows details about measuring current for varying electricphases for an illustrative embodiment;

[0033]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a two-way RF equipment interfacemodule (El modules) for an illustrative embodiment; and

[0034]FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a two-way RF interface to a localequipment controller for an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035]FIG. 1 shows a system 20 for monitoring and controlling energyusage in a facility in accordance with the present invention. Acentralized data center 22 is able to receive information from aplurality of facilities 26 over a communications network 24. Thecentralized data center 22 may be one location, or a plurality ofseparate locations which can collect and share data over variousnetworks, for example the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network),wireless node connections, etc. Further, the centralized data center 22does not necessarily have to be in the geographic center of the area ofthe facilities 26. The facility 26 can be any type of building orfacility which uses electrical power, as will be described in moredetail below.

[0036] Within the facility 26 are one or more power consumption devices28. Typical examples are electrical devices such as refrigerationdevices, HVAC systems, heating units, motor-driven systems, and anyother high-load devices. Such devices 28 may alternatively be powerproducing devices such as generators, batteries, solar or fuel cells.According to the present invention, one or more power consumption device28 is connected 32 to a device controller 30, wherein the devicecontroller 30 can control the power consumption device 28. The devicecontroller 30 can also monitor whether the power consumption devices 28is drawing power, or even measure much more detailed information, forexample the amount of power consumed, and the state of the powerconsumption device 28. Typically the power cord of the power consumptiondevice 28 is simply plugged into a power outlet on the device controller30, although other connections and controls are possible.

[0037] The device controllers 30 communicate 34 with a facilitytransceiver unit 36. The facility transceiver unit 36 serves as acentral control and/or forwarding unit to provide a single point withinthe facility 26. The facility transceiver unit 36 also receivesinformation from a power measurement device 50, which monitors powerconsumption within the facility 26 at a source such as the main powerfeed 31. More than one power measurement devices 50 may be used within afacility 26, to measure power consumption at different points. Further,a plurality of facility transceiver units 36 can work to control andmonitor different areas or devices within the facility 26. Thecommunication 34 between the facility transceiver unit 36 and the devicecontrollers 30 and power measurement devices 50 can be by any form,including wireless communications, infrared signal, ultrasonictransmitters, power carrier signals, wire connections, or any packetswitching networks such as Ethernet or Firewire.

[0038] The facility transceiver unit 36 communicates data over thecommunications network 24 to the centralized data center 22, as shown byarrow 38. Such information can include power consumption information forindividual devices within the facility, or aggregate data such as totalpower consumption. Other types of data can be provided, such asenvironmental data, security information, monitoring information etc, aswill be discussed below.

[0039] Thus the present invention allows the real-time monitoring of avast number of power consumption devices 28 distributed in a pluralityof facilities 26 over a geographic area, municipality, city, state etc.The monitoring allows analysis of the real-time data, which isinvaluable for data recording, data mining and analysis, and prediction.A further feature of the present invention is the ability to control thepower consumption devices 28 remotely, such as from the centralized datacenter 22, as shown by arrow 40. This control includes the ability toactivate or deactivate a power consumption device 28, to limit theamount of power a power consumption device 28 is receiving, or to changethe state or reprogram the power consumption device 28 as necessary.This added dimension allows micro control over the entire system, andprovides many benefits such as load management, as will be discussedbelow.

[0040]FIG. 2 shows an illustrative communication network 40 showing thecentralized data center 22 and connections to the dwellings orfacilities 26 such as residential houses or apartments, as well asbuildings 42 and factories or manufacturing facilities 44. Thecommunications network 40 in this illustrative embodiment is a wirelessnetwork comprising two-way RF communication links 46 between the variousfacilities 26, 42, 44 forming a complete network.

[0041] The present invention provides the ability to acquire real-timeinformation from remote customer locations, the transmission of data toa central station location, the collection of this data into proprietarysoftware and data storage methodologies that interpret the acquired dataon a portfolio basis, and the determination of commands to control fielddevices to maximize the portfolio's aggregate energy consumption on areal-time basis. The ability to perform these functions on a real-timebasis and through a centralized command center operations allows thesystem to optimize energy costs through load diversification and avariety of load management services that benefit all portfolio members.

[0042] Examples of specific services that can be performed from thisinvention are as follows:

[0043] 1. Real-Time Portfolio Load Management and Load CurtailmentServices. The centralized data center 22 collects real-time energy usedata via the network 40 (for the illustrative embodiment, a wirelesscommunications) infrastructure located throughout the defined serviceterritory. The real-time energy use data collected from each end userfacility 26 is received through packetized data transmitted from theFacility RF (“Radio Frequency”) Modules to the RF Nodes locatedthroughout the service territory and into the centralized data center's22 data server. Each customer data is coded with ID numbers and added tothe portfolio's 15-minute or hourly load profile curves. The data serversoftware tracks peak load usage on a 15-minute basis and compares theaggregate load curves to targeted baseline curves that are defined bypricing factors provided by the portfolio power supplier(s). The dataserver software can also do real-time statistical analysis and energyuse predictions based on the previous customer data, weather reports,and other dynamic factors. Based on real-time pricing and/or otherfactors, the centralized data center's 22 system will initiate commandsthat will signal power reductions at the customer site 26 on anautomated basis. The signals will be sent via the wirelesscommunications network 40 that includes transmission of load managementcommands back via the RF Node Network 46 to the Wireless EquipmentInterface Modules (facility transceiver 36) and Demand-Side ManagementRF Modules (device controller 32). These modules have preset controlsthat perform the function of reducing voltage to equipment or panels orshutting off selected defined equipment for set periods of time basedupon the central station control system software requirements.

[0044] Load management initiatives performed on a portfolio basis can beachieved by this system by several functions, including the reduction ofend user power needs through shutting off power to selected equipment orreductions in voltage current to targeted equipment, or the remotedispatch of on-site power generation (back-up or standby generators).Both initiatives have the ability to reduce power consumption from thePower Supplier(s) on a real-time aggregate basis. Further, end users canset up pre-determined energy use thresholds to receive benefits such asguaranteed limits on the power consumption, possibly at an incentivizedprice plan.

[0045] The benefits of this system's capabilities are numerous andinclude the ability to receive real-time energy use information, via awireless communications infrastructure, as it is being consumed allowsthe centralized data center 22 to react to and maximize real-timepricing parameters with the aggregate portfolio usage patterns. Also,receiving real-time energy use information at a central location allowsthe service provider to aggregate and manage energy consumption on aportfolio basis. This allows the service provider to initiate loadmanagement commands that benefit the portfolio as a whole rather thandistinct individual users that may not be able to receive maximumportfolio benefits. Further, a real-time system that centralizes energyuse of a portfolio allows the service provider to monitor energy usereductions on a real-time basis that are verifiable to the selectedpower supplier(s). Savings derived from these functions are documentedand provided to the customer in a summarized format via a secured formatsuch as a secure Internet website.

[0046] Table 1 provides a list of example end user equipment atcommercial, industrial, municipal facilities that can be controlled viathe present invention. TABLE 1 Start/Stop Applications: End UsesSpecific Equipment Heating, Ventilating, and Controlled CoolingEquipment Motors, Compressors, Automation System Link, ThermostatRefrigeration Equipment Motors, Motor Controls, Automation System Link,Thermostat Voltage Reduction Lighting Direct Control with dimmableApplications: Ballasts, Voltage regulator within lighting panelSupplementary Power Onsite Generation Remote dispatch of onsiteDispatch: backup generator or power source

[0047] Table 2 provides a list of example end user equipment atresidential/multi-tenant facilities that can be controlled via thepresent invention. TABLE 2 Start/Stop Applications: End Uses SpecificEquipment Heating, Ventilating, and Controlled Cooling Equipment Motors,Compressors, Thermostat, furnace or boiler controls or power sourceRefrigeration Equipment Direct link between power source andrefrigeration equipment

[0048] 2. Real-Time Energy Use Monitoring & Management Services. Thiscentralized data center 22 System allows real-time energy useinformation to be collected and managed at a central location. Thecentralized data center 22 system has a direct connection with theInternet or other communications network to provide connections betweenother centralized data center systems located within the field. TheInternet is also used to provide valuable real-time energy use and costinformation back to the end user or for service provider techniciansthat provide energy monitoring and management services. Thesetechnicians (“energy analysts”) have the ability to receive facilityenergy use data from multiple facilities located throughout a variety ofstates and regions via a central and secured website location. Havingthis information accessible through remote locations for a portfolio offacilities allows the energy analyst to perform detailed energymanagement assessments and benchmarking to determine where potentialenergy waste and inefficiencies exist within the portfolio. This allowsfor the maximum efficiency of dispatching labor to identify specificproblems or issues within the facilities on a prioritized basis. Theprocessing and display of information for end users and techniciansincludes data analysis, statistical analysis and interpolation, andprediction analysis to estimate future energy use.

[0049] 3. Sub-Metering & Utility Billing Services. The system has theability to provide sub-metering and utility billing services to thosemarket segments that conduct business and relationships where theseservices may provide high value. For instance, the office buildingmarket is typically made up of multiple tenants occupying space within abuilding. The building may be master metered by the local utilitycompany (“LDC”) and individual tenants being billed on a per square footbasis. This process creates significant inequities between tenantsdepending on the energy use intensity, hours of operation, and equipmentinventories. In a deregulated market, the differences in energy costsamong tenants will become more profound. By installing sub-meteringequipment within tenant occupied spaces, a more detailed measurement ofenergy use can provide better allocation of costs through direct billingfor tenant usage. In addition, tenant's ability to gain access toreal-time energy use via a secure website will encourage energyconservation and management and the ability to identify waste andinefficiencies not normally identified under the current metering andbilling infrastructure.

[0050] 4. Utility Bill Audit & Verification Services. The systemsoftware includes a detailed database of regulated rate tariffs andcompetitive supply pricing rate structures that are used to verifybilling components generated from the LDC's monthly utility invoices tothe end use customer. This database of rates provides customers with anaudit of their current utility charges and identification of billingerrors. Billing errors by the local distribution company can result fromthe end user; (1) being on the wrong regulated utility rate tariff, (2)billing components being miscalculated or calculated incorrectly, (3)generation rates from competitive energy supplier(s) being calculatedand billed incorrectly, as well as numerous other billing errors. Thesystem software and Rate Tariff Database provide the ability to audit acustomer's utility bill via a secure website where a customer can log inon and input key billing parameters into the customer input section. Thesystem software will then calculate the customer's monthly bill to bechecked and verified against the actual LDC utility bill. Any errors ordifferences can be quickly identified and corrected.

[0051] 5. Outage Notification Services. The centralized data center 22receives continuous real-time energy consumption data via the wirelesscommunications network 40 from end user facilities' master meter usage,end use equipment usage, submetering usage, etc. This informationprovides the ability to monitor power consumption and utility outages ona real-time basis. This information can be extremely useful for thecustomer as well as the Local Distribution Company (“LDC”). Customersthat may have critical processing occurring at their facility duringoff-peak or non-occupied hours will find it extremely valuable to benotified of any power outages that may affect the operations withintheir facility. The LDC currently identifies outages from informationgathered through a SCADA system that currently monitors substation powerlevels. The LDC does not have information with respect to customeroutage information which can be critically valuable in understanding theimpacts of revenue not being collected by specific customer outages.

[0052] 6. Power Quality Analysis Services. The system provides theability to install power quality modules located at the end users site.Information collected by these modules can be transmitted via thewireless communications network to the centralized data center 22.Real-time power quality data can be collected, stored, and analyzed byEnergy Analysts via a secure website. This information can be extremelyvaluable to the end user for a number of reasons. The increased relianceon electronic equipment used in the day-to-day operations of businessesrequire higher and higher levels of power quality and reliability.Deregulation of the electric utility industry has resulted in lower andlower investments being made into the transmission and distributionsystems of many, if not all, LDCs. The primary reason for this reducedinvestment over the past decade is the inability of the LDC to recoupthese additional costs through rates. Legislative pressure has resultedin continued efforts to try and reduce overall utility costs. This hascome at an expense and has resulted in a continued decline in theintegrity and capacity of the LDC's distribution and transmission systeminfrastructure. Reduced investment has resulted in less and lesspreventive maintenance and investment into upgrading the system to meetthe increased needs of higher grade power and reliability.

[0053] The system's ability to track power quality issues as well as thetype of power quality problem allows the end user and the Energy Analystto quickly diagnose the problems and develop recommended solutions thatcan be implemented to protect valuable equipment and associatedprocesses.

[0054]FIG. 3 shows an illustrative embodiment of the present inventionusing the wireless communications network of FIG. 2. The centralizeddata center 22 includes a central receiver 54 which comprises a primaryRF node in the communications network 40. Other RF nodes 52 can be atfacilities 26 or serve as repeater nodes in the network separate fromany facility 26. The RF node 52 provides a self-contained node in thenetwork capable and will be described below.

[0055] At the facility 26 is the facility transceiver 36 which in theillustrative embodiment is known as a facility RF module. In theillustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, there are two facility RFmodules 36 which communicate with other RF nodes 52 and also with thedevice controllers 30 within the facility 26. Two facility RF modules 36allow for expandability of data collection and control within a singlefacility 26, however the illustrative embodiment can work with onefacility RF module 36 at a facility 26. In the illustrative embodiment,the device controllers 30 are known as Equipment Interface Modules (“EIModules”). The facility RF modules 36 also may receive data from othersources, such as current measurement devices like split-core currenttransducers 49 which are situated next to the power cables within thefacility 26. These current transducers 49 are standard equipment deviceswhich allow the non-intrusive measurement of current passing through thenearby power conduit. As shown in FIG. 3, one set of current transducers49 are placed by the main power lines into the facility 26, near theelectric meter 48, and another set of current transducers 49 are placednext to power lines to a sub-panel for a specific sub-unit within thefacility 26. This allows the real-time measurement of both the totalpower utilization at the facility 26, and the portion of the powerutilization by the specific sub-unit serviced by the sub-panel. As manycurrent transducers 49 may be installed as preferred to allow the dataacquisition to be performed on any granular level. Other such devicescan include voltage measurement circuits, environmental measurementinstruments, and line power quality measurement devices.

[0056] A feature of the present invention is that the system does notneed to replace or modify the electric meter(s) 48 for the facility 26.This helps avoid having to work with high-voltage/high current powercircuits with important safety concerns. Furthermore, utility electricmeters are often owned by different parties and tampering with suchmeters may lead to loss of service or legal actions. The presentinvention allows measurements to be taken without affecting the electricmeters, thereby avoiding any situation of interfering with equipmentowned or leased by other parties.

[0057] The facility RF module 36 communicates by wireless signal to theindividual EI modules 30 connected to the electrical equipment withinthe facility 26. As previously described, the EI modules 30 allowcontrol over the electrical equipment 28 including the ability toactivate or deactivate the electrical equipment 28, or to limit theamount of power the electrical equipment 28 consumes. Another example ofcontrol is if the electrical equipment 28 has a ‘power conservation’mode, the EI module 30 can activate or deactivate this mode as required.

[0058]FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are diagrams of the components, connections andgeneral layout of the supervisory central data collector and networkcontroller 55 according to the illustrative embodiment. The supervisorycentral data collector 55, housed at a central location 22, acts as thefinal receiving point for all data transmitted by the RF FacilityModules and RF Nodes 52 located at remote sites. The supervisory centraldata collector and network controller is a hard-wired interface betweenthe base station radio transceiver and the computer/data server runs theCentral Station operations. In the illustrative embodiment, thesupervisory central data collector and network controller includesredundancy in the form of a hot backup unit. The supervisory centraldata collector and network controller receives radio signals transmittedfrom RF Facility Modules and/or RF Nodes 52. Packetized data is receivedand converted to numeric data by the supervisory central data collectorand network controller software. Digitized numeric data is received andstored in the central station computer data server files. Eachcustomer/end user receives a predetermined customer account number whereall energy use data is collected and stored in an organized manner.Energy use data can be preset to be acquired, transmitted and deliveredto a central station location in user selectable time intervals, orstandard increments such as 15 minute, 30 minute, 1 hour and upintervals depending upon the requirements of the end user and/or serviceprovider. Pre-determined intervals are programmed at the end user'slocation using a hand-held programming computer or can be performed atthe central location 22 by re-transmitting data interval collectioninstructions to the RF Facility Module(s) 52.

[0059]FIGS. 7 and 8 are block diagram layouts of an RF node 52 accordingto the illustrative embodiment. The RF Node 52 is a hard-wired, withredundant power backup (including for example a solar based attachmentmodule) subscriber unit that provides redundant wireless communicationsbetween facility RF modules 36 located at the end user's facility 26 andthe centralized data center 22 location where the supervisory centraldata collector and network controller system is located. Each RF node 52receives energy use data and transmits energy use data by radio to thecentral station, receiver 54. If an RF node 52 is too far away to reachthe centralized data center 22 by direct radio transmission, itspacketized data is relayed by another RF node 52 located closer to thecentralized data center 22. Each RF node 52 sends and receives packetdata to the next RF node 52. Each RF node 52 upon sending a packet wantsto receive an acknowledgment of receipt by the next RF node 52 orcentralized data node 52. If an acknowledgment is not received, the unitre-sends the packet. This unique, built-in “repeater” capability createsa highly reliable and continuous transmission of real-time data. The RFNode(s) 52 continually adjusts to forward packet data through theshortest and best available route. The “smart routing” capability iscompletely automated as the intelligence is built into the baseprogramming of the RF Node's 52 microprocessor. Smart Routing” iscontrolled by each microprocessor in the network. The microprocessorsare programmed to only recognize packets of information that have acomplete beginning and end to the string of information. It will onlyacknowledge and send that packet when it recognizes that completepacket. If it does not receive the entire packet it will send a requestto the transmitting RF Node 52 to send again.

[0060] The RF Node 52 is a “smart” module that is both a transceiver anda repeater, the unit has a built in power supply that is hardwired to apower source and has an independent power source for backup (preferablysolar cell with a deep cell battery) and standby purposes. The modulehas 8 wide range zone units and auxiliary inputs for future expansion.Each of the 8 inputs is individually programmable. The Modules powerrequirements are 12VDC, 175 ma standby, 800 ma transmission. The backupbattery is specified as a 12 V, 4 TO 7 AH lead acid gel type. The radiofrequency ranges is typically 450-470 MHz with radio output power of 2watts. It uses 175 ma of current in standby mode and 800 ma fortransmitting. Low battery reporting is based on a 22.5 minute test cycle(approx.). AC failure reporting is handled by reporting to thecentralized data center 22 after approximately 4 minutes without ACpower; and reporting AC power restoral after approximately 4 minutes ofrestored power. The antenna output is 12V DC signal output at output j4,200 ohms max load.

[0061]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a facility RF module 36 in accordancewith the illustrative embodiment. The facility RF module 36 collects,receives, and transmits energy data from load measurement equipment 48,80 (current transducers, or other as required). The “smart” transceiversare specified with eight or sixteen zone inputs for multiple collectionpoints, each is individually programmable. Each input zone reports thezone number, Unit ID and associated energy data, which is transmitted tothe RF Node(s) 52 or centralized data center 22. The energy datacollection time intervals are adjustable using the centralized datacenter 22 software or can be adjusted using a hand-held fieldprogrammer.

[0062]FIG. 10 is a diagram of a current transducer interface 50 to afacility RF module 36 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment.FIG. 1 provides details about measuring current for varying electricphases within end user facilities 26. These include single-phase 120volt FIG. 11A, 240 volt FIG. 11B two wire connections and multi-phase240/480 volt 3 and 4-wire connections, FIG. 11C. The current transducerinterface 50 acts as the conversion device for energy data collected viacurrent transducers 49 and sent through the facility RF module 36. Thecurrent transducer 49 measurement is converted to pulse output by thecurrent transducer interface 50. The transducer measures true powerconsumption (kilowatt-hours). The transducer's electronics are mountedinside the same housing as an instrument grade CT to provide true powerreadings on 3-phase loads. The transducers preferably maintain anaccuracy range of +/−1% from 10% to 100% of input range. Thevoltage-input range shall be field selectable from 208-480 VAC. TheTransducer's power range are capable of monitoring loads of up to 1,150kW. An example transducer 49 is the Model WL40R transducer from OhioSemitronics Inc.

[0063]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the two-way RF Equipment InterfaceModule (EI modules) 30. The relays control the power, and are wired tointerface with existing automation system, or directly to powerconsumption device 28.

[0064]FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the two-way RF Interface 30 to alocal equipment controller, wherein control signals (not power) areprovided to the local equipment controller to allow it to control thedevice 28.

[0065] The present invention provides a system to allow centralmonitoring and control of a large number of energy consumption deviceson a real time basis. The system allows up to the second information onusage and loads, and control on a similar timescale. Through centralmonitoring and control, energy savings based on the “macro” picture arepossible. For example, simply by limiting the activation of airconditioning units at several facilities for a few minutes can help keepa utility load below a preferred limit. As other air conditioning unitsare cycled off, the new units can be activated. The impact on the enduser is minimal and transparent. Treating homes and groups as aportfolio allows standards and predictions to be set for the powerrequirements of the portfolio, and allow buying and negotiating forpower on a beneficial level.

[0066] The wireless network 40 described with the illustrativeembodiment of the present invention has other advantages besides thosealready discussed. The bandwidth available provides many other uses andservices. Such services include outage notification, made available tolocal distribution utility company. The LDC has access to a securewebsite that allows the LDC to identify all municipal, commercial, andindustrial customers without power on a real-time basis. The LDC canalso be alarmed through paging services to field personnel for proactivemanagement of power outages. Other services include real-time energy usemonitoring & management, via the collection of energy use and costinformation on a real-time basis. This information is accessible via asecured website and presented in formats that allow for the proactivemanagement of energy use. This information is accessible to appropriateparties including the customer and LDC engineering staff.

[0067] The present invention also provides for sub-metering and billingservices for building tenants that occupy space within a building thatis master metered. Other forms of sub-metering can be performed, such asby office or by equipment type, such as sub-metering major computercenter loads within a master metered building.

[0068] The wireless network of the illustrative embodiment can monitorother environmental conditions with appropriate sensors. For example,real-time monitoring of carbon monoxide, water detection, gas leaks andfurnace operation is possible. These services can be provide for bothoil-fired boilers and natural gas fired furnaces that generate emissionsand carbon monoxide. The present invention can monitor and controlseveral utilities besides electricity, including piped gas, watersupply, or burner usage for example to reduce smog and emissions atvarious times of the day or week. The system can further track COcontent as well as boiler/furnace run-time to determine potentialexposure. Another service is for home security service providers thatcurrently rely on a hard-wired modem-based systems. Also, elderlymonitoring services on a real-time basis can be provided. The networkarchitecture also allows the system to track moving objects includingvehicles.

[0069] Although the invention has been shown and described with respectto illustrative embodiments thereof, various other changes, omissionsand additions in the form and detail thereof may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for monitoring and controlling powerusage among a plurality of facilities, comprising: providing a remotelycontrollable power control device on at least one power consuming deviceat each facility; remotely monitoring power usage at each facility fromone location, wherein said one location can control said remotelycontrollable power control devices; and activating and deactivating saidpower consuming devices by said remotely controllable power controldevices from said one location, based on said remotely monitored powerusage among said plurality of facilities.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein said steps of remotely monitoring power usage and activating anddeactivating are performed over a wireless communication network
 3. Themethod of claim 2 wherein said wireless communication network comprisesa plurality of two way RF node components.
 4. The method of claim 3wherein said two way RF node components serve to both communicate withother ones of said two way RF node components; and to communicate withinsaid facilities with said remotely controllable power control devices,and to monitor power usage within said facilities.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said step of monitoring power usage is performed bycurrent sensing.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein an electric utilitymeter at one of said facilities is not affected by said monitoring ofpower usage at said facility.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said stepof monitoring power usage is performed by voltage sensing.
 8. The methodof claim 7 wherein an electric utility meter at one of said facilitiesis not affected by said monitoring of power usage at said facility.
 9. Asystem for monitoring and controlling power usage among a plurality offacilities, comprising: a device controller coupled to at least onepower consuming device at each facility, said device controller tocontrol said at least one power consuming device; a power measurementdevice within each facility, to measure power consumption by powerconsuming devices within said facility; a communications network, incommunication with said device controllers and said power measurementdevices; a central location, in communication with said communicationsnetwork, to remotely monitor power usage at each facility as measured bysaid power measurement device; wherein said central locationcommunicates with said device controllers over said communicationsnetwork in order to individually control said at least one powerconsuming device at each facility.
 10. The system of claim 9 whereinsaid at least on device controller controls said power consuming deviceby activating and deactivating said power consuming device.
 11. Thesystem of claim 9 wherein said system monitors and controls power usagein order to limit power consumption by said plurality of facilities. 12.A system for controlling energy distribution to energy consumerscomprising: a centralized data center; a plurality of device controllersin communication with said centralized data center; a plurality ofparameter measuring devices in communication with said centralized datacenter; wherein said centralized data center reads parameters from saidparameter measuring devices, computes control signals according toefficient power control algorithms operating on said parameters andcommunicates said control signals to said device controllers.
 13. Thesystem according to claim 12 wherein efficient power control algorithmscompute said control signals to minimize power consumption by computingcost optimized power distribution over time.
 14. The system according toclaim 12 wherein said parameters are communicated in real time andwherein said control signals are constantly re-computed according tochanges in said parameters.
 15. The system according to claim 12 whereinsaid parameters include electrical power levels.
 16. The systemaccording to claim 12 wherein said measuring devices are deployed inelectrical proximity to individual electrical loads and between saidindividual electrical loads and standard power distribution meteringdevices.
 17. The system according to claim 12 wherein said devicecontrollers are deployed in electrical proximity to individualelectrical loads and between said individual electrical loads andstandard power distribution metering devices.
 18. The system accordingto claim 12 further comprising facility controllers in communicationbetween said device controllers and said centralized data center. 19.The system according to claim 12 wherein said centralized data centerand said device controllers are in wireless communication.
 20. Thesystem according to claim 18 wherein said centralized data center andsaid facility controller are in wireless communication.